Will the NFL Suspend the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Le’Veon Bell?
After being put on probation for 15 months and losing his license for 60 days thanks to his arrest for marijuana possession, Le’Veon Bell now has to wait to hear what his punishment will be from the almighty Roger Goodell. According to ESPN’s Scott Brown, Le’Veon Bell could face at least a one game suspension.
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As we all know Roger “the Goods” Goodell is not afraid to suspend people. In 2014, 37 players were suspended for various lengths of time for violating the substance abuse policy. However, Bell’s case is a bit different. Most of the 37 players that got suspended failed a drug test, causing their penalty. Bell never failed a drug test, but being arrested in possession of marijuana may be exactly that in Goodell’s eyes. After that incident though, again according to Brown, Le’Veon Bell was a model citizen and this arrest seems to be a one time mistake rather than a Santonio Holmes consistent issue.
I agree with Brown that Bell will likely be suspended but then again if Blount doesn’t then why should Bell? Blount’s case was just dismissed after completing 50 hours of community service. For Goodell it probably depends which team Blount goes to in the offseason. If he sticks with the Patriots, there will be no penalty obviously.
As far as the length of time Bell will have to sit out. If it’s more than one game that will be absurd. To suspend Bell the same amount of time he originally punished Ray Rice would be such a joke. Even one game sounds a bit much for the “crime” Bell committed but I can understand the fact that the LeBackfield Boys did shine a negative light on the NFL when they were arrested.
Seeing what no Le’Veon Bell in the backfield did to the Steelers offense against the Ravens in the playoffs, it is clear that the front office will need to find a permanent backup to fill in for Bell if he is suspended for a game. That fact has been pretty clear ever since LeGarrette Blount was released after the Titans game. They will need to find another running back either in free agency or the draft that can carry a constant load if needed.
The NFL will likely take its sweet time in determining the punishment for Bell but the Steelers will need to find somebody to help the team if Bell is unable to play at the start of the season.